Armed robbery is one of the most serious and potentially dangerous crimes committed in the United States. Decrease your chances of becoming a victim by following these tips:

General business safety

• Make security training for your employees a high priority.
• Have at least two employees present during opening and closing time.
• When opening, inspect the building for forcible entry before entering.
• One employee should search the premises before admitting others.
• At closing, make sure no one is hiding inside the building.
• Operate with a cash protection system.
• Keep a minimum of accessible cash on hand in a cash drawer and in a safe.
• Limit the number of times you open the safe.
• Do not count large amounts of cash in areas visible to the public or other employees.

Bank deposits

• Make deposits during daylight hours with more than one person.
• Vary the personnel, vehicle used, route to the bank and time of deposit.
• Do not make any stops along the way.
• Hide the currency bag in another bag or container.

Create a secure work place

• Maintain a well-lit interior and exterior that are visible from the street.
• Place physical barriers, such as counters, between employees and customers.
• Mark the doorway to make it easier to identify the height of a robber.
• Install convex mirrors or put employees at an elevated vantage point so they have a complete view of their surroundings. Place customer service and cash register areas so they are clearly visible from outside the establishment.
• For secure areas, use doors that lock automatically on closing. Require identification from anyone entering secured areas.
• Advertise and prominently display surveillance camera equipment near eye level.
• Use a dual key, drop or delay-action time-lock safe.
• Consider a silent alarm system with a hold button.
• Keep shrubbery and trees trimmed and well maintained.
• Vary lunch hours and breaks so several employees are always visible.
• Train employees to watch for and report suspicious actions inside and outside the building. Call 9-1-1 if there is a potential security risk.
• Greet each customer when they enter. It sends a message to those contemplating a crime that you have noticed, and can likely identify, them.
• Clean the counter or work area regularly to remove old fingerprints.
• Publicize that your business uses good cash protection techniques and protection equipment.

What to do during a robbery
Proper employee training of the procedures to follow during a robbery is vital to surviving a confrontation.

• Do not resist the robber. The money is not worth risking your life.
• Do not encourage the use of weapons against the robber.
• Inform the robber of any surprise (other than the silent alarm). If someone is expected back soon or if you must reach or move in any way, tell the robber so he will not be startled.
• Follow the robber's commands, but do not volunteer help.
• Try to keep customers and employees calm during the robbery.
• Activate the silent alarm only if it can be done without being obvious to the robber.
• Be observant and plan to be a good witness.
• For your safety and the safety of your customers, try to get the robber out of your business as quickly as possible.

Procedures after a robbery
Preparedness for a post-robbery situation can place employees in a better position to provide information to police that may assist in capturing the robber and protecting employees and customers from harm.

• Do not chase or follow the robber.
• After the robber has left, immediately lock the doors and don't let anyone in.
• Call the police immediately at 9-1-1.
• Care for injured people.
• Note the robber's method of escape and direction of travel.
• Preserve any potential evidence.
• Ask witnesses to remain until the police arrive.